some "different" activities...

[kimber23ks]

This will be our fourth trip to DW, our first staying at Fort Wilderness in our new trailer.

We have done the popular attractions at all the parks and there are the select ones we will want to do again. But, we are looking to do some "different" activities and wondering if anyone has any suggestions. Kids will be 16, 10 and 8 when we come in Oct/Nov 2010. Also, will have mom and her friend with us as well who would llke a few NOT hair-raising activities, lol.

I know I've heard of different tours, or before hour things going on. What are some "other" things you have done while in DW????

 

[Sonya]

One year we went to FW campground and rented a canoe and went around the little stream that goes around the campground. I think we could have rented horses too.
People say the flag ceremony at MK is touching.
Oh and the Light Parade that goes on at the Lagoon at 9:00 I think, while the MK fireworks are on.

 

[dopeynme]

There are great spas at GF and SSR (for the more senior members of the group).

You can take a horse and carriage ride at POR; Fish in the Sassagoula river at POR; rent bikes or surrey-type things at BW; rent water craft at various resorts; watch movie on beach at Yacht Club.

Seas Aqua tour at Epcot lets you swim in the tank with the fish and sea turtles-I can recommend this one! Children are allowed (maybe the 8-year old but not sure) and the seniors may like this, too! Just note, a wetsuit does NOT work like spanx and smooth things out! You wear a vest that keeps you afloat and you breathe thru a tube using an air tank. It is not scary at all, they teach you what to do. Don't need to be scuba certified or even be a good swimmer.

Lunch with an imagineer at HBD is great fun, too, but may need to be at least 16.
Just a few faves from these 2 senior Dis-ers!

 

[Virtucomp]

Last trip we made a lot of plans to see entertainment around the parks. Instead of only going on rides we kept a time guide with us for the shows that happen around AK, DHS and Epcot. We also made sure we saw the different parades at each park.

It made for some relaxing but very Disney days.

We used Steve Soares site for the times.
http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/index.htm

You may not want to do it every day but a few days of "stop and smell the roses" was great.

 

[iluveeyore]

We love to play mini-golf at either the Winter-Summerland course beside Blizzard Beach, or at Fantasia Gardens beside the Swan/Dolphin. If you have an AP it's a really cheap activity.
We also love to wander around Downtown Disney in the mornings when everyone else is at the parks - not busy at all. And then we catch a matinee at the AMC theaters at Pleasure Island.

 

[pattibehan]

We always see at least one movie in DTD. It is a bit expensive, but LaNouba is well worth it! I have never taken the time to seeany of the performers in World Showcase, so we plan on taking in a few during our April trip, Also, this summer we are booking an Illuminations boat cruise.

 

[TLCdisneyfan]

Your mom and her friend might really like visiting the different resorts. My mom loves it! Be warned that you can't use the pools, so kids have less patience for this activity. But we love to visit the beautiful hotels like WL or Boardwalk and grab a snack. Beach Club has an amazing ice cream shop (long waits, though). Having an ADR at the resort's TS restaurant is nice too. I've heard fantastic things about high tea at the Grand Floridian (gotta call early for an ADR).

 

[Brit_Jude]

Here is a list of some of the tours - not sure of the costs but some sound fun!

Mickey’s Magical Milestones Tour
Chronicle the fascinating world, development and success of Mickey Mouse while touring the Magic Kingdom® Park. This is a 2-hour experience, presented every Monday, Wednesday andFriday; most appreciated by Guests 10 years of age and above.

Disney’s Family Magic Tour
Take the family on an exciting journey through the Magic Kingdom® Park. Young and old alike can revisit their childhood on this fanciful tour of the most magical place on earth. Presented daily and lasts approximately 2 hours. Guests of all ages may participate; most appreciated by Guests 4 to 10 years of age and their families.

Disney’s The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour
Get an inside look at the Walt Disney World® Railroad. Explore Walt Disney’s passion for steam trains as you join the opening crew and prepare for the daily railroad operation at the Magic Kingdom® Park. This tour is presented Monday through Saturday and lasts approximately 3 hours. Guests must be at least 10 years of age to participate.

Disney’s Keys to The Kingdom Tour
This tour invites you to explore the Magic Kingdom® Park and take a special look at the history, heritage, and philosophies behind the Park. This informative expedition takes you through the themed lands of the Magic Kingdom® Park, as well as backstage, to marvel at the operation
that makes all the magic possible. Presented daily and lasts approximately 41/2-5 hours. Guests must be at least 16 years of age to participate.

Around the World at Epcot® Tour
Challenge yourself “around the world” at Epcot® where you will experience firsthand a Segway Personal Transporter. After completing a required product overview and training, you will be equipped with a helmet before you experience an outdoor ride on a set course through World Showcase. Guests should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to start time. Presented daily and
lasts approximately 2 hours. Guests must be at least 16 years of age to participate.

The UnDISCOVERed Future World Tour
Discover the Future World that Guests rarely get to see. Hear intriguing stories about Walt Disney and his ultimate dream: Epcot®. Appreciate Walt Disney’s living legacy by visiting the Future World pavilions, including some rare glimpses of backstage areas. Presented Monday, Wednesday and Friday and lasts approximately 4 hours. Guests must be at least 16 years of age
to participate.

Simply Segway Experience at Epcot® Tour
Experience firsthand a Segway Personal Transporter. You will be equipped with a helmet and have a product overview during this one-hour classroom experience. This is a beginner’s Segway class and includes some training and indoor riding time. (There will be no outdoor riding time.) Presented daily. Guests must be at least 16 years of age to participate.

Backstage Magic
A “must do” for any true Disney Fan! Ever wonder what it takes to create the special effects and details found throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort? Participants will be astounded as Backstage Magic unveils the fine points behind the artistic, technical, and scientific operations found throughout the theme parks. This 7 1/2-hour behind-the-scenes adventure guides Guests through the magic of one man’s dream, Walt Disney. Presented Monday through Friday. Guests must be at least 16 years of age to participate.

Behind the Seeds, A Special Guided Greenhouse Tour
Go behind the scenes at The Land pavilion at Epcot® to explore the wonders of growing food
plants with the Disney touch! Tour greenhouses to discover crops from around the world and
see some of the latest techniques used to grow and improve plants. Watch as beneficial insects
used at The Land pavilion at Epcot® battle pests that can destroy our food supply. Take home
environmentally friendly ideas for growing your own gardens. Then venture through the fish
farm to see thousands of fish and alligators, too! Presented daily and lasts approximately
1 hour. Same-day reservations may be made at the tour desk near Soarin’ TM, lower level of
The Land pavilion at Epcot®. Guests of all ages may participate.

Disney’s Dolphins in Depth Tour
Disney’s Dolphins in Depth program allows you to explore the world of Atlantic Bottlenose
Dolphins and to actually see research projects in session. You will learn if dolphins really do
have the ability to plan their behavior. Most importantly, you will meet them up close and
personal in the water! You are guaranteed to get wet and maybe even get splashed by our
resident dolphins. You don’t need to swim or have scuba certification to enjoy this program, but
you will need to be at least 13 years of age to experience the magic of these beautiful creatures.
Disney’s Dolphins in Depth is presented Tuesday through Saturday and lasts approximately 3
hours. Wet suits are provided but guests must bring their own swimsuit. This program is subject
to change.

Epcot® DiveQuest Tour
Imagine a salt-water dive with 203 feet of visibility and over 4000 animals native to the
Caribbean swimming with you in every direction. Tropical fish, sharks, sting rays, sea turtles,
and plenty of coral for you to enjoy is just part of the fun. The other part is you become part of
the show! Guests can view your dive through any of the 56 giant acrylic windows at The Seas
with Nemo & Friends pavilion. Open-water scuba certification is required for all participants.
Equipment is provided. Presented Tuesday through Saturday and lasts approximately 21/2 hours.
Guests must be at least 10 years of age to participate.

Epcot® Seas Aqua Tour
An exciting opportunity for non-scuba certified guests to take part in an in-water marine
life exploration adventure. Guests will receive a facility tour of the aquarium that includes
the backstage areas. After learning about the marine life, Guests will have the opportunity
to explore our resident marine life while using SAS gear. The in-water experience will last
approximately 30 minutes. The total length of the program is 21/2 hours. Presented Tuesday
through Saturday. Scuba Assisted Snorkel (SAS) gear and wet suit are provided. Guests need to
provide their own swimsuit. Guests must be at least 8 years of age to participate.

Disney’s Wild By Design Tour
Learn some of the stories behind the making of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. You’ll
learn how art, architecture, and storytelling are combined to transport you to exotic lands filled
with wild animals. This walking tour will provide insights into the design and building of this
Theme Park as well as a glimpse into the complexities of caring for animals and habitats.
Your journey will take you into the land of Anandapur, to the village of Harambe and through
the colorful world of Discovery Island. A light continental breakfast will be served. Presented
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and lasts approximately 3 hours. Guests must be at
least 14 years of age to participate (Guests ages 14 and 15 must be accompanied by a participating
adult).

Disney’s Backstage Safari Tour
Find out what happens behind the scenes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Highlights
include visits to a backstage animal housing area, the Animal Nutrition Center, and our state-ofthe-
art Veterinary Hospital. Then venture into the park to experience Kilimanjaro Safaris where you
will be amazed at the details and passion involved in the creation of a truly unique theme park
that is so much more than a zoo! Presented Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and lasts
approximately 3 hours. Guests must be at least 16 years of age to participate.

Disney’s Wilderness Back Trail Adventure
Indulge your adventurous spirit on Disney’s Wilderness Back Trail Adventure, where you will
experience firsthand a Segway X2 Personal Transporter as you glide through the pristine Florida
wilderness in and around Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. No experience necessary!
Presented Tuesday through Saturday and lasts approximately 2 hours. Guests must be at least 16
years of age to participate.

 

[Brit_Jude]

I also found the flyer on the Disney site for the Platinum Dining plan a good resource as it lists the types of activites that can be booked and where you find them on Disney property. Here is the link:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/benefits/disney-dining-plan/

Scroll down and click on the platinum dining plan flyer under Related Resources

 

[Cdn Gal]

We did the Seas Aqua tour at Epcot and it was AMAZING!!! It was a little bit pricey, but well worth every penny!

 

[dblr]

I would also suggest checking out the different resorts we did the last trip over Christmas and New Years week so it was extra special with the holiday decorations but anytime would be great just to see the way they are themed is nice.

 

[f15steagle]

Surf School at Typhoon Lagoon.

My sister and I did this activity on a trip in 2005. I already know how to surf (learned in Hawaii), but we both had a great time. It was a small group with good instructors. Plus surfing on those great waves at TL was a blast.

You enter the park prior to opening to participate in the event. You get an orientation to surfing on the beach near the lifeguard stands and practice getting up on the boards (proper movement and stance) on land first. You are provided with the foam long boards (easiest to learn on) for the event.

Once it is your turn, a pair of participants enter the water via the stairs in the deep end of the wave pool and paddle out to the in-water instructors. The on-land instructor queues the wave and the in-water instructors give you a push to catch the wave. Then it is up to you.

I had a great time and would love to do it again.

As a note: Our parents came as well to photograph/videotape us while surfing. Once we were done we were able to get great lounge chairs for the day as we stayed at the park for the remainder of the day.

 

[WizardLarz]

Fort Wilderness has lots of Activities. Horseback rides, Carriage rides, And Campfire-Movies Nights.

 

[Badamon]

Here is a list of some of the tours - not sure of the costs but some sound fun!

Mickey’s Magical Milestones Tour
Chronicle the fascinating world, development and success of Mickey Mouse while touring the Magic Kingdom® Park. This is a 2-hour experience, presented every Monday, Wednesday andFriday; most appreciated by Guests 10 years of age and above.

Disney’s Family Magic Tour
Take the family on an exciting journey through the Magic Kingdom® Park. Young and old alike can revisit their childhood on this fanciful tour of the most magical place on earth. Presented daily and lasts approximately 2 hours. Guests of all ages may participate; most appreciated by Guests 4 to 10 years of age and their families.

Disney’s The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour
Get an inside look at the Walt Disney World® Railroad. Explore Walt Disney’s passion for steam trains as you join the opening crew and prepare for the daily railroad operation at the Magic Kingdom® Park. This tour is presented Monday through Saturday and lasts approximately 3 hours. Guests must be at least 10 years of age to participate.

Disney’s Keys to The Kingdom Tour
This tour invites you to explore the Magic Kingdom® Park and take a special look at the history, heritage, and philosophies behind the Park. This informative expedition takes you through the themed lands of the Magic Kingdom® Park, as well as backstage, to marvel at the operation
that makes all the magic possible. Presented daily and lasts approximately 41/2-5 hours. Guests must be at least 16 years of age to participate.

Around the World at Epcot® Tour
Challenge yourself “around the world” at Epcot® where you will experience firsthand a Segway Personal Transporter. After completing a required product overview and training, you will be equipped with a helmet before you experience an outdoor ride on a set course through World Showcase. Guests should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to start time. Presented daily and
lasts approximately 2 hours. Guests must be at least 16 years of age to participate.

The UnDISCOVERed Future World Tour
Discover the Future World that Guests rarely get to see. Hear intriguing stories about Walt Disney and his ultimate dream: Epcot®. Appreciate Walt Disney’s living legacy by visiting the Future World pavilions, including some rare glimpses of backstage areas. Presented Monday, Wednesday and Friday and lasts approximately 4 hours. Guests must be at least 16 years of age
to participate.

Simply Segway Experience at Epcot® Tour
Experience firsthand a Segway Personal Transporter. You will be equipped with a helmet and have a product overview during this one-hour classroom experience. This is a beginner’s Segway class and includes some training and indoor riding time. (There will be no outdoor riding time.) Presented daily. Guests must be at least 16 years of age to participate.

Backstage Magic
A “must do” for any true Disney Fan! Ever wonder what it takes to create the special effects and details found throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort? Participants will be astounded as Backstage Magic unveils the fine points behind the artistic, technical, and scientific operations found throughout the theme parks. This 7 1/2-hour behind-the-scenes adventure guides Guests through the magic of one man’s dream, Walt Disney. Presented Monday through Friday. Guests must be at least 16 years of age to participate.

Behind the Seeds, A Special Guided Greenhouse Tour
Go behind the scenes at The Land pavilion at Epcot® to explore the wonders of growing food
plants with the Disney touch! Tour greenhouses to discover crops from around the world and
see some of the latest techniques used to grow and improve plants. Watch as beneficial insects
used at The Land pavilion at Epcot® battle pests that can destroy our food supply. Take home
environmentally friendly ideas for growing your own gardens. Then venture through the fish
farm to see thousands of fish and alligators, too! Presented daily and lasts approximately
1 hour. Same-day reservations may be made at the tour desk near Soarin’ TM, lower level of
The Land pavilion at Epcot®. Guests of all ages may participate.

Disney’s Dolphins in Depth Tour
Disney’s Dolphins in Depth program allows you to explore the world of Atlantic Bottlenose
Dolphins and to actually see research projects in session. You will learn if dolphins really do
have the ability to plan their behavior. Most importantly, you will meet them up close and
personal in the water! You are guaranteed to get wet and maybe even get splashed by our
resident dolphins. You don’t need to swim or have scuba certification to enjoy this program, but
you will need to be at least 13 years of age to experience the magic of these beautiful creatures.
Disney’s Dolphins in Depth is presented Tuesday through Saturday and lasts approximately 3
hours. Wet suits are provided but guests must bring their own swimsuit. This program is subject
to change.

Epcot® DiveQuest Tour
Imagine a salt-water dive with 203 feet of visibility and over 4000 animals native to the
Caribbean swimming with you in every direction. Tropical fish, sharks, sting rays, sea turtles,
and plenty of coral for you to enjoy is just part of the fun. The other part is you become part of
the show! Guests can view your dive through any of the 56 giant acrylic windows at The Seas
with Nemo & Friends pavilion. Open-water scuba certification is required for all participants.
Equipment is provided. Presented Tuesday through Saturday and lasts approximately 21/2 hours.
Guests must be at least 10 years of age to participate.

Epcot® Seas Aqua Tour
An exciting opportunity for non-scuba certified guests to take part in an in-water marine
life exploration adventure. Guests will receive a facility tour of the aquarium that includes
the backstage areas. After learning about the marine life, Guests will have the opportunity
to explore our resident marine life while using SAS gear. The in-water experience will last
approximately 30 minutes. The total length of the program is 21/2 hours. Presented Tuesday
through Saturday. Scuba Assisted Snorkel (SAS) gear and wet suit are provided. Guests need to
provide their own swimsuit. Guests must be at least 8 years of age to participate.

Disney’s Wild By Design Tour
Learn some of the stories behind the making of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. You’ll
learn how art, architecture, and storytelling are combined to transport you to exotic lands filled
with wild animals. This walking tour will provide insights into the design and building of this
Theme Park as well as a glimpse into the complexities of caring for animals and habitats.
Your journey will take you into the land of Anandapur, to the village of Harambe and through
the colorful world of Discovery Island. A light continental breakfast will be served. Presented
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and lasts approximately 3 hours. Guests must be at
least 14 years of age to participate (Guests ages 14 and 15 must be accompanied by a participating
adult).

Disney’s Backstage Safari Tour
Find out what happens behind the scenes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Highlights
include visits to a backstage animal housing area, the Animal Nutrition Center, and our state-ofthe-
art Veterinary Hospital. Then venture into the park to experience Kilimanjaro Safaris where you
will be amazed at the details and passion involved in the creation of a truly unique theme park
that is so much more than a zoo! Presented Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and lasts
approximately 3 hours. Guests must be at least 16 years of age to participate.

Disney’s Wilderness Back Trail Adventure
Indulge your adventurous spirit on Disney’s Wilderness Back Trail Adventure, where you will
experience firsthand a Segway X2 Personal Transporter as you glide through the pristine Florida
wilderness in and around Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. No experience necessary!
Presented Tuesday through Saturday and lasts approximately 2 hours. Guests must be at least 16
years of age to participate.

Can anyone tell me please how strictly enforced the 16+ age requirement is for some of these tours? We would love to do maybe KTTK tour or Segway tour. One of our kids will be just under 16 during our trip. Wondering if they will admit him? He would not have any I.D. to present (no drivers license yet).

 

[Gracie09]

Can anyone tell me please how strictly enforced the 16+ age requirement is for some of these tours? We would love to do maybe KTTK tour or Segway tour. One of our kids will be just under 16 during our trip. Wondering if they will admit him? He would not have any I.D. to present (no drivers license yet).

Very. You have to show proof of age.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

16 year old must have photo ID to tours. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/keys-to-the-kingdom-tour/

 

[Wild about Walt]

Surf School at Typhoon Lagoon.

My sister and I did this activity on a trip in 2005. I already know how to surf (learned in Hawaii), but we both had a great time. It was a small group with good instructors. Plus surfing on those great waves at TL was a blast.

You enter the park prior to opening to participate in the event. You get an orientation to surfing on the beach near the lifeguard stands and practice getting up on the boards (proper movement and stance) on land first. You are provided with the foam long boards (easiest to learn on) for the event.

Once it is your turn, a pair of participants enter the water via the stairs in the deep end of the wave pool and paddle out to the in-water instructors. The on-land instructor queues the wave and the in-water instructors give you a push to catch the wave. Then it is up to you.

I had a great time and would love to do it again.

As a note: Our parents came as well to photograph/videotape us while surfing. Once we were done we were able to get great lounge chairs for the day as we stayed at the park for the remainder of the day.

I had my DS (then 9) do the surfing lessons as well. Being a family north of the border this was a thrill and a half. It was great fun for my DD (then 11) and DS (then 5) to watch their brother be the first in his class to stay standing on the board and to ride the board the furthest (even than the adults in the class-yes I'm bragging lol).

And as for my DS, I've never seen him stand so proud as he did that day. It's given him a confidence in himself that he was struggling to find. The instructors were top notch and yes beating the crowd to the 'prime' chairs for the day was definitely a perk.
Great memories for us all.

 

[aubriee]

Can anyone tell me please how strictly enforced the 16+ age requirement is for some of these tours? We would love to do maybe KTTK tour or Segway tour. One of our kids will be just under 16 during our trip. Wondering if they will admit him? He would not have any I.D. to present (no drivers license yet).

Very! I saw a boy that was going to be 16 y/o three days later turned away at a Segway tour. The parents kept insisting they'd sign a waiver and be responsible. The CMs couldn't budge and told them to come back in three days with proof of his age. They said they were leaving the next morning and demanded a manager, who reminded them he knew they had been told when they booked the tour that photo ID would be required and you had to be 16y/o to do the tour. Mom,dad, and kid stomped out cursing the CMs.

I also saw a girl questioned on the KTTK tour. She was barely 16 y/o and mentioned that she had not been allowed on the tour when she was there six months before.